VA awards $808K for smart badges, with delivery orders extending through September 2026

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $808,139 ($808.1K)

Contractor: Government Marketing and Procurement, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2025-04-09

End Date: 2026-09-08

Contract Duration: 517 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: VOCERA SMART BADGES

Place of Performance

Location: WIMBERLEY, HAYS County, TEXAS, 78676

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $808,138.81 to GOVERNMENT MARKETING AND PROCUREMENT, LLC for work described as: VOCERA SMART BADGES Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable given the duration and scope of providing advanced communication devices. 2. Full and open competition suggests a healthy market for these types of systems. 3. Potential risks include technology obsolescence and integration challenges with existing VA systems. 4. Performance context is critical to assess if the smart badges meet the demanding needs of healthcare professionals. 5. This contract falls within the broader IT and healthcare technology sector, supporting operational efficiency.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $808,139 for a period of roughly 17 months (from April 2025 to September 2026) suggests a moderate investment per year. Benchmarking against similar contracts for advanced communication devices in healthcare settings would provide a clearer picture of value for money. However, the firm-fixed-price structure helps control costs for the government. Without specific per-unit pricing or detailed feature comparisons, a definitive value assessment is challenging, but the overall award amount seems aligned with the potential scope.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This process is designed to foster a competitive environment, potentially leading to better pricing and innovation. The number of bidders is not specified, but the 'full and open' designation implies a robust bidding process. This level of competition is generally favorable for the government in securing competitive pricing and a wide range of solutions.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition maximizes the chances of obtaining the best value for taxpayer dollars by encouraging multiple vendors to offer their most competitive proposals.

Public Impact

Veterans and healthcare staff at VA facilities will benefit from improved communication and patient care coordination through the use of smart badges. The services delivered include the provision and potential support of advanced communication devices designed for healthcare environments. The geographic impact is likely concentrated within VA facilities, particularly those in Texas where the contractor is based, but could extend nationally. Workforce implications include enabling healthcare professionals to operate more efficiently and potentially reducing response times in critical situations.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for technology to become outdated quickly in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
Integration with existing VA IT infrastructure could present unforeseen technical challenges and costs.
Reliance on a single vendor for specialized hardware might limit future flexibility or create vendor lock-in.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract type helps to control costs and provides budget certainty for the VA.
Award under full and open competition suggests a competitive market and potential for good value.
The contract duration allows for a reasonable implementation and utilization period for the technology.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Health Information Technology (Health IT) sector, a rapidly growing segment of the broader IT market. The market for healthcare communication devices is driven by the need for improved patient safety, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve looking at other government or private sector procurements of similar communication systems for hospitals and healthcare networks, which can range from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars depending on scale and features.

Small Business Impact

The contract data indicates that small business participation was not a specific set-aside (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, the primary impact on small businesses would be through potential subcontracting opportunities if the prime contractor, GOVERNMENT MARKETING AND PROCUREMENT, LLC, chooses to engage them. Without specific subcontracting plans detailed in the award, it's difficult to assess the direct impact on the small business ecosystem. However, the nature of the product might lend itself to specialized small business suppliers for components or related services.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will primarily reside with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm-fixed-price contract terms, requiring delivery of specified goods and services by the performance dates. Transparency is facilitated by the public nature of federal contract awards, allowing for review of basic contract details. The VA's Office of Inspector General (OIG) would have jurisdiction to investigate any potential fraud, waste, or abuse related to this contract.

Related Government Programs

VA Electronic Health Record (EHR) Modernization
VA Medical Device Procurement
Federal Healthcare IT Spending
DoD Communication Systems Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for technology obsolescence
Integration complexity with existing IT systems
Data security and patient privacy risks
User adoption and training challenges
Contractor's specific experience with similar large-scale deployments

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $808,138.81 to GOVERNMENT MARKETING AND PROCUREMENT, LLC. VOCERA SMART BADGES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GOVERNMENT MARKETING AND PROCUREMENT, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Veterans Affairs (Department of Veterans Affairs).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $808,138.81.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-04-09. End: 2026-09-08.

What is the specific functionality and intended use of the 'VOCERA SMART BADGES' being procured by the VA?

The 'VOCERA SMART BADGES' are advanced communication devices designed for healthcare professionals. While the specific model and full feature set are not detailed in the provided data, Vocera's smart badges typically offer real-time voice communication, location awareness, and the ability to send alerts and receive critical information directly to the badge. They are intended to improve clinical workflow, enhance patient safety by enabling faster response times, and streamline communication among care teams within hospital settings. The contract's NAICS code (334511) for 'Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing' is somewhat unusual for a communication badge, suggesting a potential broader scope or a classification nuance related to the underlying technology or integrated systems.

How does the awarded amount of $808,138.81 compare to historical spending on similar communication devices by the VA or other federal agencies?

Comparing the $808,138.81 award requires context on the quantity of badges, the specific features included, and the contract duration. For instance, if this award covers 500 badges over 17 months, the annual cost per badge would be approximately $95,000 / 500 = $190 per badge per year. This seems high. However, if it's for 100 badges, the annual cost is closer to $950 per badge per year. Vocera's standard badge pricing can vary significantly based on the model and service plan, often ranging from $1,000 to $3,000+ per device upfront, plus monthly service fees. Without knowing the exact quantity and service terms, a direct comparison is difficult. However, federal agencies often procure such technology through large-scale agreements or GSA schedules, which might offer different pricing structures. Historical VA spending on communication systems has been substantial, but specific data for smart badges would be needed for a precise benchmark.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) or service level agreements (SLAs) associated with this contract to ensure effective performance?

The provided contract data does not explicitly detail the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) or Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for this specific award. However, for a contract involving communication devices in a healthcare setting, typical KPIs would likely include device uptime/availability (e.g., 99.9% uptime), response times for critical alerts, battery life performance, and user satisfaction rates. SLAs would define the expected level of service, including support response times, issue resolution timelines, and potentially penalties for non-compliance. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract implies that the contractor is obligated to meet the defined specifications and delivery schedules. The VA's program managers would be responsible for monitoring these aspects throughout the contract's performance period.

What is the track record of GOVERNMENT MARKETING AND PROCUREMENT, LLC in delivering similar IT or communication systems to federal agencies?

GOVERNMENT MARKETING AND PROCUREMENT, LLC (GMP) appears to be a relatively small entity based on publicly available information, often listed as a reseller or distributor rather than a primary manufacturer of complex IT systems. Their contract history with federal agencies, particularly the VA, needs thorough examination. While they may have experience in government contracting, their specific track record in delivering large-scale, sophisticated communication systems like smart badges is not immediately evident from the basic award data. A deeper dive into their past performance, client feedback, and the complexity of previous IT/communication contracts awarded to them would be necessary to assess their capability and reliability for this particular requirement.

Are there any known risks associated with the specific technology (Vocera Smart Badges) or its implementation in a federal healthcare environment?

Yes, there are several potential risks associated with implementing technologies like Vocera Smart Badges in a federal healthcare environment. Firstly, technology obsolescence is a concern; communication technology evolves rapidly, and badges purchased today might be outdated within a few years. Secondly, integration with existing VA IT infrastructure, such as Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems and network infrastructure, can be complex and costly, potentially leading to interoperability issues. Security is paramount; ensuring the badges and their communication channels are secure against cyber threats and protect sensitive patient data (PHI) is critical. Furthermore, user adoption and training are essential; healthcare staff must be proficient in using the devices for them to be effective. Finally, the reliability and durability of the badges in a demanding clinical environment, including battery life and resistance to damage, are practical concerns.

What is the total federal spending on similar communication systems or devices for healthcare applications over the last five fiscal years?

Estimating total federal spending on similar communication systems for healthcare applications over the last five fiscal years is complex due to varied categorization. However, federal spending in Health IT, including communication and patient monitoring systems, has been substantial and growing. Agencies like the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense (DoD) are major purchasers. Broadly, federal spending on Health IT has been in the tens of billions annually. Specific categories like 'medical information systems,' 'patient monitoring equipment,' and 'communication devices' within healthcare settings would contribute to this total. While a precise figure for 'smart badges' alone is difficult to isolate, the overall trend indicates significant and increasing investment in technologies aimed at improving healthcare delivery, patient safety, and operational efficiency within federal medical facilities.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing › Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: MEDICAL/DENTAL/VETERINARY EQPT/SUPP

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 13350 RANCH ROAD 12, WIMBERLEY, TX, 78676

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $808,139

Exercised Options: $808,139

Current Obligation: $808,139

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS07F187GA

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline